Message from the Judge In Charge
Message from the Judge-in-Charge
Honorable Charles M. Blomquist
Judge-in-Charge, Juvenile Division
Part 20
The Juvenile Division of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City is a court of limited jurisdiction charged with handling matters involving delinquency, Children in Need of Assistance (CINA), Children in Need of Supervision (CINS), guardianships, and Termination of Parental Rights (TPR) proceedings. The Court’s jurisdiction and responsibilities are governed by Maryland statutory law, the Maryland Rules governing juvenile causes, and applicable provisions of civil procedure in certain family and guardianship matters.
The work of the Juvenile Division is both demanding and profoundly important. Every day, the Court addresses matters involving child welfare, family stability, community safety, accountability, trauma, education, mental health, and the long-term well-being of Baltimore City’s children and families. These responsibilities require not only the careful application of law, but also collaboration, compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
The Juvenile Division is fortunate to be supported by exceptionally dedicated judges, magistrates, clerks, administrative personnel, and justice partners. Working together with the Office of the Public Defender, the State’s Attorney’s Office, the Department of Juvenile Services, the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, the Legal Aid Bureau, law enforcement agencies, treatment providers, educators, and community organizations, the Court strives to provide a system that is both efficient and responsive to the needs of children and families.
Located within the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center (BCJJC), the Juvenile Division operates within a unique and collaborative environment designed to centralize services and improve access to justice. Since opening in 2003, the BCJJC has served as a hub for juvenile justice and child welfare operations in Baltimore City. The facility houses courtrooms for the Juvenile Division as well as offices for numerous partner agencies, a centralized intake area, assessment services, and secure residential programming. This integrated structure allows agencies and stakeholders to work more closely together in addressing the complex and interconnected issues facing many youth and families.
The Juvenile Division continues to modernize its operations and improve case management practices through the use of electronic filing systems, enhanced scheduling practices, and improved interagency coordination. The Court remains committed to timely hearings, meaningful notice to parties, and the prompt issuance of court orders. At the same time, the Division recognizes that efficiency must never come at the expense of fairness, due process, or thoughtful decision-making.
In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Court has continued to incorporate technology such as Zoom and other remote access tools where appropriate to improve accessibility and reduce unnecessary barriers to participation. While many proceedings are conducted in person, remote technology remains an important component of ensuring meaningful access to the Court for litigants, families, witnesses, and service providers.
The Juvenile Division is also committed to continuing its longstanding role as a leader in juvenile and family court practice. Guided by nationally recognized best practices and the principles advanced by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), the Court remains focused on improving outcomes for children and families through early intervention, collaboration, accountability, and evidence-based practices. This includes efforts to reduce unnecessary detention, improve educational and behavioral health outcomes, address crossover youth issues, reduce disproportionate minority contact, encourage family engagement, and ensure that court interventions are meaningful, timely, and developmentally appropriate.
The mission of the Juvenile Division is ultimately grounded in the belief that courts can serve not only as forums for adjudication, but also as institutions capable of fostering stability, accountability, rehabilitation, and hope. The Court remains committed to serving the citizens of Baltimore City with integrity, professionalism, and respect for all who come before it.
